Agent says Saban facing "pressure"

AUSTIN, Texas - The agent for coach Nick Saban told Texas officials in January that Texas was the only school he would consider leaving Alabama for and that his success with the Crimson Tide had put him under "special pressure," The Associated Press has learned.

The agent, Jimmy Sexton, made the comments during a 45-minute call with former Texas Regent Tom Hicks and current Regent Wallace Hall. Hicks detailed the call in a Sept. 24 email that was obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press through an open-records request.

"Sexton confirmed that UT is the only job Nick would possibly consider leaving Alabama for, and that his success there created special pressure for him," Hicks wrote.

The pressure was not further explained in the email and Sexton declined comment Tuesday. Saban was not available after practice.

Two days after the call, Hicks approached Texas coach Mack Brown about the possibility of retiring. Brown, who is under contract until 2020, said he wanted to stay.